Portugal to Tighten Immigration Rules
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced plans to tighten immigration laws, but family reunification will not be suspended. The government will propose changes to nationality and immigration laws and push for more vigorous enforcement. Illegal immigration and the lack of border control are key concerns. The PM also challenged Chega to support the creation of a new Foreigners and Borders unit in the PSP (police).
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro:
Montenegro emphasised that well-integrated immigrant families and students are crucial for Portugal’s economic growth and development. The goal is to stop illegal entry, not block legal and necessary migration. Double the minimum residency requirement for citizenship
This move marks one of the most consequential changes to Portugal’s nationality law in decades.
During the parliamentary debate, Chega leader André Ventura pushed for even stricter controls, questioning whether Portugal would follow Austria’s example by suspending family reunification. However, Montenegro firmly rejected this, reaffirming its commitment to controlled and humane immigration policies.
Family reunification will not be suspended.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced plans to tighten immigration laws, but family reunification will not be suspended. The government will propose changes to nationality and immigration laws and push for more vigorous enforcement. Illegal immigration and the lack of border control are key concerns.
Migrant communities worry the extension could push more people into limbo—especially those navigating the bureaucratic challenges of the newly formed AIMA (Agency for Migration and Integration), which has faced delays in processing permits and registrations.
The move comes as the centre-right government seeks to distance itself from the far-right Chega party while adopting some tougher policies that align with public sentiment on immigration. Chega had previously proposed raising the residency requirement and even called for revocable citizenship under certain conditions.
“We need a system that rewards those who truly integrate—not those who treat our nationality as a convenience,” said André Ventura, Chega’s leader.